Top Budget Gaming Laptops of 2023

It's easy to feel priced out when looking at the best gaming laptops, especially with top-tier features like a 4K display pushing prices well over $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a solid portable PC gaming experience; you just need to know what to prioritize. While there are plenty of sub-$1,000 laptops marketed as "gaming" devices, they can be hit-or-miss, often plagued by outdated components and poor build quality.

TL; DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:

Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX

3See it at Best BuyGreat performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G

0See it at Newegg### Acer Nitro V ANV16

0See it at Newegg### Valve Steam Deck OLED

1See it at AmazonSee it at Valve### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X

0See it at AmazonI've carefully selected gaming laptops that can truly handle modern games, starting from $2,000 and scaling down to more budget-friendly options that still offer a premium gaming experience. Keep in mind, though, that certain luxury features are often sacrificed to keep costs down.

High-end display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are typically the first to go when aiming for affordability. Opting for a 1080p display from a manufacturer's website can significantly reduce costs. In reality, a 4K display isn't necessary for gaming laptops, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p screen can save money without sacrificing much in terms of visual detail.

It's also important to understand that mobile GPUs, while sharing names with their desktop counterparts, deliver less performance due to their need for battery efficiency. An RTX 4070 Super in a desktop can handle 1440p gaming well, but you'll want to stick to 1080p on the laptop version for optimal performance.

Additional contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas

1. MSI Crosshair 16 (2025)

Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX

0The MSI Crosshair 16 HX strikes a perfect balance between price and performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. See it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (1920 x 1200) 165Hz CPUIntel Core i7-14650HXGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDWeight5.51 poundsDimensions14.13″ x 10.49″ x 1.1″PROSRTX 4070 GPU14th Gen Intel processorPlenty of memory and storageExcellent valueCONSA bit bulkyAt $1,400, the MSI Crosshair 16 HX might stretch the definition of "budget," but it offers exceptional value. It's designed to deliver top-notch performance, impressive battery life, and robust specs, making it a compelling choice for gamers looking for quality without breaking the bank.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's pricing strategy for this laptop, given its powerful components. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, ensuring smooth multitasking. With a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, it's built to maximize frame rates.

Paired with the RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop is optimized for high frame rates on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is well-suited for mid-range gaming and performs exceptionally well at 1200p, offering a balance between performance and visual quality.

Additionally, the laptop supports DLSS and frame generation, enhancing performance further. While multi-frame generation is exclusive to the RTX 50-series, the hardware here is well-matched to deliver excellent gaming experiences without it.

The MSI Crosshair 16 HX also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick load times and smooth multitasking, even for streaming. It's equipped with a 90Wh battery for all-day use, though for gaming, you'll want to keep it plugged in.

The trade-off is its weight and size. At 5.51lbs and 1.1 inches thick, it's more akin to traditional gaming laptops than the sleek, lightweight models popular today. However, its performance and value make it a standout choice at its price point.

2. XPG Xenia 15G

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,500

Great performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G

0The XPG Xenia 15G offers a powerful combination of CPU and GPU for high-performance gaming on a budget. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsDisplay15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz CPUIntel Core i7-14700HXGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDWeight4.96 poundsDimensions14.21″ x 9.77″ x 0.98″PROSHigh performance CPU and graphicsCan swap to integrated graphics for improved battery lifeExpandable storage and memoryCONSLimited battery lifeThe XPG Xenia 15G is a standout choice for gamers looking to spend less than $1,500. It delivers a potent combination of processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. Its value is further enhanced by occasional price drops to around $1,000.

Despite its affordability, the XPG Xenia 15G doesn't compromise on performance. It's equipped with a 14th Gen Core i7 processor capable of running modern games at high graphics settings. The GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU is a powerhouse, easily handling 1440p displays, making the 1080p screen a breeze. You can enjoy high frame rates, further boosted by features like DLSS and Frame Generation.

This laptop is also highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and memory expandable to 64GB. This makes it a future-proof investment for gamers.

The main drawbacks are its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and its 53.35Wh battery won't last a full day without dimming the screen significantly.

3. Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000

### Acer Nitro V ANV16

0The Acer Nitro V ANV16 offers a strong CPU and GPU combo, perfect for gaming on a tight budget. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (1,920 x 1,200), 165HzCPUAMD Ryzen 7 8845HSGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM16GB DDR5 3,200MHz Storage1TB NVMeSSDWeight5.51 poundsPROSWell-pricedVery capable for gaming and use as a daily driverFull-size RGB keyboardCONSLimited port selectionDisappointing battery lifeThe Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2 is a top contender for gamers on a budget of under $1,000. It features a powerful 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 GPU, delivering excellent gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. While it makes some compromises, its gaming capabilities are impressive.

This laptop is ideal for those prioritizing performance over other features. The combination of the Ryzen processor and RTX 4060 GPU allows you to run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.

It also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming performance. The 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage and fast load times.

To achieve this performance at this price, Acer has limited the port selection to two USB-A ports and one USB Type-C. However, the USB Type-C supports USB 4, allowing for power delivery and video output, which can be used with a smaller GaN charger.

The battery life is a weak point, with a 59Wh battery rated for about 7 hours of use, though gaming will drain it much faster. You'll need to carry the charger, but the trade-off is better frame rates and graphics on its 165Hz screen.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images4. Steam Deck OLED

Best Gaming Laptop Around $500

### Valve Steam Deck OLED

0The Steam Deck OLED offers a stunning screen and portable gaming experience, making it a top choice for budget-conscious gamers. See it at AmazonSee it at ValveProduct SpecificationsDisplay7.4" (1280 x 800), 90Hz, OLEDCPUAMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHzGPUAMD 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHzRAM16 GB LPDDR5Storage512GB NVMe SSD, 1TB NVMe SSDWeight1.41 poundsDimensions11.7″ x 4.6″ x 1.9″PROSExtremely portableEasy to set up and useBeautiful OLED screen makes games look better than everCONSNot all games are compatible by defaultWhile not a traditional laptop, the Steam Deck OLED is an excellent option for gamers looking to spend just over $500. Its OLED screen significantly enhances the visual quality of games, even without maxing out settings.

The Steam Deck OLED focuses on value rather than raw power. It's not the latest hardware, but its popularity ensures a wide range of compatible games. Some titles, like Cyberpunk 2077, even have specific graphics modes for the Steam Deck. Valve's compatibility ratings on the Steam store help you gauge how well games will run.

Running on SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers a streamlined and intuitive user experience, unlike many PC handhelds that run Windows. However, not all games are compatible, so it's worth checking before buying. Still, the growing library of supported games makes it a compelling choice.

For those seeking higher settings, alternatives like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go offer newer hardware, but they lack the Steam Deck's OLED screen.

Gigabyte G6X 9KG – Photos

15 Images5. Gigabyte G6X

Best Gaming Laptop with 32GB of RAM

### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X

0The Gigabyte G6X offers ample memory and storage, making it a great choice for budget gamers needing multitasking capabilities. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay16” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 165HzCPUIntel Core i7-13650HXGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM32GB DDR5Storage2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDWeight5.64 poundsDimensions14.21″ x 10.19″ x 0.98 ~1.13″PROSLots of memory and storageLarge, fast screenCONSHeavy to carryLow brightnessThe Gigabyte G6X is ideal for gamers seeking a budget laptop with plenty of memory and storage. In my review of this laptop, I noted its heft but praised its performance and value. If you can handle the extra weight, common in budget gaming laptops, this is a solid choice for multitasking and gaming.

With 32GB of RAM, it outperforms most laptops in its price range, allowing for smooth gameplay and multitasking. The 2TB SSD provides ample space for numerous games, and the 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth visuals.

However, it's heavy at 5.64lbs and thicker at 1.13 inches near the hinge. The screen brightness is also limited to 250 nits, making it unsuitable for outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs offer great value without a significant price increase.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is achievable, and these laptops can help you get there. Most of the laptops listed are available in the UK, offering a variety of options for budget-conscious gamers:

### HP Omen 16

8Best Budget Gaming Laptop£1,029.00 at Currys PC World### HP Victus

13Best Cheap Gaming Laptop£899.99 at Amazon### Dell G15

9Best Cheap AMD-Powered Gaming Laptop£749.00 at Amazon### Lenovo Legion 5i

23Best Budget 17-inch Gaming Laptop£799.00 at Lenovo### Asus TUF Dash 15

2Best Cheap Everyday Gaming Laptop£799.00 at Currys PC World### Acer Predator Triton 300

10Best Budget 144Hz Gaming Laptop£949.99 at Currys PC WorldBudget Gaming Laptop FAQ

What makes a great budget gaming laptop?

A great budget gaming laptop balances performance and price. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can find models that offer solid gaming performance without breaking the bank. Gaming laptops are often chosen for their portability and space-saving design, so consider the laptop's weight and size when making your choice.

Finding the right balance is key. Spending a bit more can upgrade your gaming experience from medium to high settings. If you're not focused on the latest AAA titles, you can save money by opting for older components like DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your gaming needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop can suffice. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest a bit more. The difference between entry-level and high-end gaming laptops often lies in the CPU, RAM, and GPU, which can significantly impact performance.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a matter of preference. While comparing the Steam Deck to a gaming laptop, gaming laptops generally offer better performance. PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are lighter and more portable, but gaming laptops provide more versatility and power. They support a broader game library and are often upgradable, making them a better long-term investment.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times to find deals on gaming laptops are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. These periods offer significant discounts on a wide range of models. For more details, check out our guide on the best times to buy a laptop.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, budget gaming laptops with recent GPUs start around $1,000. Below this, you might consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending less than $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Focus on the resolution you want to play at and the necessary CPU and GPU power.

For screen resolution, 1080p and some 1440p displays offer the best balance between cost and performance. Even if you find a laptop with a 4K display, the GPU might not support gaming at that resolution, so stick to 1080p or 1440p.

When it comes to storage, avoid laptops with only a small SSD. A 256GB SSD might not be enough for multiple games, so consider models with larger SSDs or additional hard drives.

One more thing: Just because it's a laptop doesn't mean you need to use it on your lap. The best gaming experience often comes at a desk. Check out our guide to the best gaming desks and consider a laptop cooling pad for better performance. Don't forget to look at our favorite gaming chairs for a comfortable setup.

If laptops aren't your speed, check out the best gaming PC deals to save on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks are excellent for many tasks, especially with their powerful Pro models, but they lag behind in gaming. Apple's latest silicon is powerful, but gaming laptops are designed specifically for gaming, with robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. They also offer more hardware and feature options.

While you can play some games on a Mac, the lack of support for many popular titles on MacOS is a significant drawback. Apple is working to improve this with a porting toolkit and "Game Mode" on MacOS Sonoma, but gaming laptops remain the better choice for gamers. See our guide on gaming PC vs. Mac for more information.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops are more portable than gaming PCs, but desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better value and longevity. While laptops and PCs may share similar components, desktops generally outperform laptops. For more details, check out our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.